10 Acorn Squash Recipes You Need to Make This Fall

Sweet, slightly nutty and incredibly high in immunity-boosting vitamin C, acorn squash makes the perfect cold-weather comfort food. And while it’s commonly roasted, there are many other ways you can prepare it. Use it to thicken up a soup. Shred it and turn it into an acorn squash hash -- perfect for breakfast! No matter what your taste buds are craving, here are 10 quick and easy acorn squash recipes that are sure to satisfy.

1. Baked Acorn Squash Cups With Rice Pilaf

Have a potluck to attend? Whip up this cheesy brown rice pilaf. It’s served directly in roasted acorn squash cups that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. If you know you’ll be short on time, don’t worry. You can bake the squash in advance and simply reheat them with the filling.

2. Curried Chicken and Acorn Squash

Cold day? Warm up with a hearty bowl of curry. Ours is filled with acorn squash, chicken, bok choy and carrots. Bok choy delivers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, while carrots provide beta-carotene and fiber. For crunch, top the dish with raw pumpkin seeds, which boost immunity and heart health.

3. Warm Acorn Squash and Quinoa Salad

This gluten-free salad is a complete meal packed into a single dish. Its star ingredients include fiber-filled quinoa, potassium-rich avocado and, of course, our beloved acorn squash. If you happen to be out of avocado, feel free to sub in approximately a quarter-cup of olive oil to create the same rich flavor.

4. Acorn Squash Soup With Green Apple

This sweet and savory soup bursts with blended acorn squash, green apples and lightly sauteed onions. We used a store-bought vegetable broth for speed and ease, but feel free to swap in your favorite broth. Before serving, sprinkle on some nutmeg to enhance the flavors of this creamy soup.

5. Acorn Squash and Black Bean Salad

Acorn squash pairs perfectly with black beans and celery in this sweet and crunchy salad. The tarragon adds an earthy flavor, while the ginger brings in the right amount of spice. You’ll top the salad with a drizzle of honey to balance out the savory flavors. To ensure that your celery is free of strings, simply run a vegetable peeler along the back of the celery to take off a thin layer.

6. Acorn Squash With Broccoli and Tofu

This quick, easy saute takes less than 20 minutes to whip up. You’ll add onions, carrots, tofu, broccoli and acorn squash into a large frying pan. Then you’ll cook the ingredients in a scrumptious almond butter, tamari and cumin sauce. And that’s it! If you’re not craving tofu, feel free to replace it with chicken, tempeh, eggs or another protein source. Since acorn squash becomes soft rather quickly, keep the broccoli on the crunchier side for contrast.

7. Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash

This incredibly tasty dish boasts all the flavors of roasted acorn squash -- without actually having to turn on the oven. Instead you’ll use your trusty frying pan to lightly brown slices of acorn squash in coconut oil. High in natural saturated fats, coconut oil can increase good cholesterol and promote heart health. You’ll also add a sprinkling of sea salt and maple syrup to complement the nuttiness of the acorn squash.

8. Acorn Squash Hash

Move over, potatoes! We’re making hash with acorn squash. Simply shred the squash with a sharp mandolin or grater and mix it with diced onions. Add the hash to a pan and cook until lightly browned. Enjoy it as a breakfast side dish, or throw it in a wrap for brunch.

9. Acorn Squash, Kale and Ricotta Wraps

Light and refreshing, rice wraps are typically used to make summer rolls, which are usually stuffed with cooked shrimp, rice noodles, herbs and vegetables. But since we’re entering the colder months, we’ve decided to put our own spin on the traditional rice wrap. We’re making ours with diced acorn squash, garlicky kale and sweet, creamy ricotta for the perfect seasonal treat.

10. Sweet and Sour Acorn Squash and Cabbage

In this dish, we balance out acorn squash’s sweetness with cider vinegar’s sour notes. You’ll simply saute acorn squash with cabbage, and then drizzle on vinegar, honey and a pinch of sea salt. Cabbage is rich in antioxidants and can help prevent inflammation. Feel free to use red or green cabbage, depending on what’s available.

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Sweet, slightly nutty and incredibly high in immunity-boosting vitamin C, acorn squash makes the perfect cold-weather comfort food. And while it’s commonly roasted, there are many other ways you can prepare it. Use it to thicken up a soup. Shred it and turn it into an acorn squash hash -- perfect for breakfast! No matter what your taste buds are craving, here are 10 quick and easy acorn squash recipes that are sure to satisfy.